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In the 1940s and 1950s, Cape Cod homes were a widespread answer to the post-war housing boom. Multi-paned wooden shutter-clad windows flank a central door with simple surrounds. The interior color palette of a traditional Cape Cod home mirrors the exterior environment, often using pastel colors to mimic the sky, grass, water, and sun to add warmth and charm to the interior.
Double-hung windows
The distinctive character of these homes marks as an important style of design in the history that continues to lead for the generations to come. Don’t be discouraged if the basement could not be your party place for this house as the other beautiful features of this style will definitely leave you feeling charmed. Adding nooks and cranny for storage purposes can really add a serious charm to the house. Much later, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, a renewed interest in America's past inspired a variety of Colonial Revival styles.
Decorative details
“Each generation tried to be true to the original form, but these were more modern houses and they had to accommodate functions that were not in the original versions. It’s crucial to work with professional architects, designers, and contractors who understand the unique aspects of Cape Cod houses and can help you navigate the renovation or remodeling process. They can offer valuable insights and expertise while ensuring that the project respects the style, maintains the structural integrity, and meets your specific requirements. When choosing a roof style for your Cape Cod house, it’s crucial to consider factors such as the climate, architectural harmony, and personal preferences. The roof plays a significant role in the overall aesthetic and functionality of the house and should be selected with care.
Cape Cod House Siding
The upper half-story can be used as bonus space, storage space, or an extra bedroom. Simple and functional, Saltbox homes are primarily found in the Northeast, where their distinctive rooflines help melt snow to fall off of roofs during cold winters. This style has been updated for more contemporary-looking homes found in beach towns, where simple designs allow the environment to take center stage. Like many of the style's other characteristics, Cape Cod homes typically feature neutral exterior color schemes. The original shake shingles are often left to weather gray, while other Cape Cod homes sport painted shingles. Most of the color schemes, like those of Colonial-style homes, are very neutral and austere.
Inexpensive and mass-produced, these 1,000-square-foot houses filled a need for the rush of soldiers returning from the war. In New York's famous Levittown housing development, factories churned out as many as 30 four-bedroom Cape Cod houses in a single day. The most successful marketeer who promoted the Cape Cod style is considered to be the architect Royal Barry Wills, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)-educated marine engineer. Their small size and scale exuded "puritanical simplicity" on the outside and "tightly organized spaces" on the inside — a combination that Gebhard likens to the inner workings of a marine vessel. Take inspiration from the simplicity, elegance, and timeless appeal of Cape Cod houses and infuse that into your own home decor. The result will be a space that exudes a sense of coastal charm, relaxation, and comfort.
'Once the full Cape is achieved with four windows in the front, it can grow in the back with an extension or a connection to the barn or today to the garage,' Lichten says. 'Thanks to its enduring versatility, Cape Cod houses are suitable for an array of regions, types of families, and, of course, materials. According to Barry Goralnick, a New York-based designer who grew up surrounded by Cape Cod houses in Massachusetts, these smaller iterations have their perks. When it comes to architecture, Cape Cod house style is as all-American as a fresh slice of apple pie. Originating in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in the 17th CE, these houses are a stereotype for the perfect American Cottage that you have envisioned. Some use a different naming system and call the full-size version a "double Cape", but this is used more often for an extended duplex structure.
But, as architect Kevin Lichten argues, its simplicity has made this a lasting home trend. Before you dive into all of the nuances and rich history surrounding Cape Cod house style, it’s important to understand how it is defined. Headquartered in Wingdale, NY, we are the national leader in the design and production of high-quality custom homes. First and foremost, their goal was to open up the small, dated rooms and invite in more light. They started by removing the little-used stepped-down sunroom and replacing it with a 12-by-7-foot dining room on the same level as the family room.
What Is the Difference Between Cape Cod and Colonial Homes?
The pitch (or angle) of the sections can be customized for climates that experience a lot of snow or rain. It's also common for many modern Cape Cods to have an attached or detached garage, front walkway, and back patio or porch. Cape Cod-style houses can come in many shapes and sizes—the charming, modest dimensions of a half Cape make ideal starter homes for many people, while others may aspire to the grander proportions of a full Cape. A half Cape has its front door on one side of the facade, with two windows on the other side (this is also known as a “single Cape”). A full Cape, on the other hand, has a door in the center with two windows flanking it on each side. And if you can’t decide between the two, a three-quarter Cape is for you, with two windows on one side of the door and one window on the other.
Cape Cod House: Everything You Need to Know About These Quintessential New England Homes - Architectural Digest
Cape Cod House: Everything You Need to Know About These Quintessential New England Homes.
Posted: Thu, 13 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Colonial and federal Capes (17th century – early 19th century)
The steep roof pitch, known as a “pitched” or “steep gable” roof, helped to shed snow and rain easily, while the symmetrical facade and minimal ornamentation added to the practicality and efficiency of the design. Some smaller variations of the houses were called "single Capes" or "three-quarter Capes," and that size was dictated by the number of family members and available finances—yep, even colonists had starter homes! No matter the size, the classic Cape Cod cottage had a central front door with two windows on each side of it. In the 1930s, the Depression and Colonial Revival combined to make Cape Cod-style homes regain popularity as an economical building style.
When planning your landscaping, it’s important to maintain the balance between simplicity, practicality, and the natural beauty of the Cape Cod style. Aim for a design that complements the architecture and creates a cohesive and visually appealing exterior. When decorating the interior of your Cape Cod house, consider incorporating natural textures, comfortable furnishings, and coastal-inspired decor to further enhance the overall charm and coziness. The goal is to create a space that feels like a retreat, where you can relax, unwind, and embrace the timeless beauty of the Cape Cod style. When decorating a Cape Cod style home, opt for a neutral color palette with pops of blue and white for a classic coastal look. Incorporate natural materials like wood and wicker for a cozy and inviting feel.
Twentieth century Cape Cod houses share many features with their colonial ancestors, but there are key differences. A modern-day Cape will usually have finished rooms on the second story, with large dormers to expand the living space. With the addition of central heating, the chimney of a 20th century Cape Cod is often more conveniently placed at the side of the house instead of the center. The shutters on modern Cape Cod houses are strictly decorative (they can't be closed during a storm), and the double-hung or casement windows are often single-paned, perhaps with faux grills. The style is a simple one — some may call it primitive with a rectangular footprint and gable pitched roof.
Check Out This Vibrant Cape Cod Home - Boston Common Modern Luxury
Check Out This Vibrant Cape Cod Home.
Posted: Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Most concrete block (CMU) homes have 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 exterior walls on the 2nd story. If you would like to have a builder construct your own Cape Cod style home one of the ways to do this is by purchasing a house plan. Meanwhile, in the interiors, the low-heightened ceilings and bold shutters account for heat conservation and blocking of harsh winter winds. Despite having a timeless style, Capes have evolved over the years to a few different subcategories, says My Move. This style has become a quintessential American home whose practicality is outweighed only by its charm.
Historically, Cape Cod houses were modestly-sized homes with one to one-and-a-half stories. The relatively low ceilings made it easier to heat the buildings during the winter. Today, the house style's sturdy, practical appearance maintains its simple appeal.
Pilasters, sidelights, fanlights and other Georgian and Federal or Adam style refinements decorate this historic Cape Cod home in Sandwich, New Hampshire. Original Cape Cod houses were small utilitarian structures like the one seen above. Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups. From matching Adirondack chair to a pristine picket fence, you can easily bring that Cape Cod charm to your backyard. We love how this space uses boat motifs to bring this space back to its coastal roots. Most Cape Cod exteriors have a similar look and feel, making them easy to spot in your neighborhood.
Whether you opt for the classic gable roof, the distinctive gambrel roof, or incorporate dormers for added charm, the roof style of your Cape Cod house will contribute to its timeless beauty and enduring appeal. These characteristics work together to create the quintessential Cape Cod house look. Whether situated on the idyllic shores of Cape Cod or in a suburban neighborhood, the charm and elegance of this architectural style continue to capture the hearts of homeowners and architecture enthusiasts alike.
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